Following the secession of Montenegro in 2006, Thursday's Group A opening match will be Serbia's first Olympic football game as an independent state with a new name. The Serbs are aiming at a medal at Beijing and hope to begin with a successful revenge over the Australians.

Four years ago at Athens, Serbia and Montenegro lost all three group matches, including a 5-1 fiasco by the Aussies. But now with a new generation, the European silver medalists are more confident to take revenge.

Serbia took a minor miracle by cruising to the final at last year's European Youth Championship, beating strong rivals Italy, Czech, Belgium before they were defeated by hosts the Netherlands 4-1 in the final.

This Serbia side is physically strong, as was noticed by Australian coach Graham Arnold.

"They (the Serbians) have got six or seven players who are 6ft 4in, as well as the goalkeeper. We've got to be careful not to give away any silly free kicks," said the former Australian national team boss at a press conference before the first game.

Arnold claimed that he will send their tallest and biggest players with a view to counter the Serbians, but his counterpart didn't agree with his opinion.

Miroslav Djukic, head coach of Serbia said it's the Olyroos who are actually larger in size, and his guys, mostly from U21 squad, were not as physically strong as Arnold had thought.

"They (the Australians) are a strong and tough team and have prepared for two years."

While Djukic said they will do their best to take an Olympic medal, the Australians shared his ambition, and the first thing to do is to win the first match from this tough group.

"The opening game is always important, because it sets the tone for what comes next. Even so, we prefer to get off to a low-profile start. If you do that, then you can only improve," said Australia midfielder David Carney.

"Argentina are the group favourites, but the other teams are all capable of beating each other. That's why I think that whoever wins this Thursday will have a great chance of making it through the group. We have to take this opportunity."

The Australians are likely to use a diamond 442 formation, with veteran Archie Thompson playing as the attacking midfielder, Mark Bridge leading the forward line and Mark Milligan orchestrating the defence. The Aussies also have set-piece specialist Kristian Sarkies.

Australia has qualified for every Olympic Games since 1988, but is yet to get a medal. After excellent performance in the Germany World Cup, their international football status was lifted and now expectations are high on them to make breakthrough at the Beijing Games.

(Xinhua News Agency August 6, 2008)